St Paul

St Paul

St Paul is a major influence on Augustine’s view of sin and salvation. His letters, especially Romans 7 & 8, are foundational for Christian theology about the fallen human condition and the role of grace.

Romans 7 (Divided Will)

Paul seems to speak on the idea of a divided will in Romans 7: “I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” – showing a natural inclination to do ‘bad’ things even though he knows they are wrong. This reflects concupiscence, the pull of irrational and lustful desires over reason (this became key for Augustine).

Romans 8 (Predestination)

In Romans 8, Paul discusses the concept of predestination, and how some people are predestined to receive God’s grace which will allow them to be saved.

Quote 1 (Romans 7:25)

“So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.”

Quote 2 (Romans 7:19)

“I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.”

Quote 3 (Romans 8:30)

“And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”